ERNAKULAM: A stampede at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kochi claimed the lives of four individuals, with more than 50 injured students currently receiving treatment in nearby hospitals.
The tragic incident took place on the 25th of November (Saturday) at around 7 pm. Following a visit to the site, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M R Ajith Kumar said that the stampede might have been triggered by sudden rainfall.
Over 1,500 individuals, including students from the campus and outsiders, had gathered at the open-air auditorium (amphitheater) at CUSAT on the evening to attend a music concert by popular singer Nikhita Gandhi. This concert was part of the University’s annual festival, known as ‘Dhishna,’ inaugurated on the 24th of November. The unfortunate incident occurred on the evening of the festival’s second day, just before the scheduled music concert.
Reports indicate that the students organizing the program were eagerly hosting it after a three-year gap. The tech fest had last been hosted in 2020 and was not held during the Covid pandemic. This time, the students organized it with even greater enthusiasm as a revival, leading to an overwhelming number of participants for each program.
Tragically, amidst the excitement and joy, a sudden downpour marred the event.
According to police reports, the stampede occurred due to an uncontrollable gathering. Only a single gate was being used for entry and exit to the open-air auditorium, which had a seating capacity of only 1,000. Organizers were allowing entry in batches to those holding passes, leading to a long queue of eager youngsters outside the auditorium. Despite holding entry passes, many local residents and some students attempted to gain entry, causing congestion.
The sudden rain disrupted the arrangements, prompting people waiting outside to push into the auditorium. Simultaneously, students inside rushed to exit, causing chaos as there was only one gate available. Amidst the commotion, individuals were pushed and fell due to the steep steps, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives.
ADGP Ajith Kumar described it as a ‘freak accident’ that could have been avoided if the auditorium had sufficient capacity. The police have intensified their investigation into the incident.
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